Notebook accessory product having dry erase functionality

Abstract

An accessory stationery product is provided that includes at least one dry erase board surface that is adapted to be detachably mounted within or with respect to a spiral bound notebook. The accessory product includes structural feature(s) that allow a user to insert the dry erase surface into engagement with wire binder of a spiral bound notebook. The inserts are compatible with a range of standard/conventional spiral bound notebooks, i.e., spiral bound notebooks manufactured by various manufacturers and offered under various brand names. The accessory device addresses fundamental shortcomings associated with conventional spiral bound notebook design/use by giving users a cleanly erasable and reusable work space for notes and scratch work within the spiral bound notebook, thereby permitting the user to save paper and stay organized. Thus, the accessory device allows the user to have two spaces within a notebook: a versatile, dry erase space for temporary notes and scratch work and the rest of the notebook for more permanent work.

1 . A system comprising: 
 (a) a spiral bound notebook;    (b) an insert that is integrally mounted with respect to said spiral bound notebook, said insert including at least one dry erase surface.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said integrally mounted insert includes a plurality of receptors for capture of a spiral wound wire associated with spiral said spiral bound notebook.  
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein each of said plurality of receptors includes an internal cavity.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein said internal cavity is substantially circular in geometry.  
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said insert provides an erasable and reusable surface within said spiral bound notebook.  
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dry erase surface of said insert is fabricated from a plastic.  
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a structure to hold a writing utensil.  
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a structure to hold loose sheets of paper.  
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said insert is substantially rectangular in geometry.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said insert includes printed indicia.  
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein said indicia is a logo.  
   
   
       12 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one dry erase surface is adapted to function with a pen specially adapted for use with said at least one dry erase surface.  
   
   
       13 . A system according to  claim 12 , further comprising a pen holder and a pen that is specially adapted for use with said at least one dry erase surface.  
   
   
       14 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising an eraser that is adapted to erase entries from said at least one dry erase surface.  
   
   
       15 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said insert defines an interior surface and an exterior surface, and wherein a dry erase surface is defined on both said interior surface and said exterior surface.  
   
   
       16 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a pocket or flap associated with said insert.  
   
   
       17 . A system according to  claim 16 , wherein said insert defines a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second side surfaces, and wherein said pocket or flap is defined at the top surface, at the bottom surface, at least one of the side surfaces or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       18 . A system according to  claim 16 , wherein said pocket or flap is adapted to capture loose materials.  
   
   
       19 . A system according to  claim 16 , wherein said pocket or flap is fabricated from a non-dry erase material.  
   
   
       20 . A notebook, comprising: 
 (a) at least one cover, and    (b) an insert mounted with respect to said cover, said insert including at least one dry erase surface.    
   
   
       21 . A notebook according to  claim 20 , wherein said insert is mounted with respect to a window formed in said at least one cover.  
   
   
       22 . A notebook according to  claim 20 , wherein said notebook takes the form of a three-ring binder.  
   
   
       23 . A notebook according to  claim 20 , wherein said notebook takes the form of a spiral notebook.